macrumors 68000

I'd recommend the 100mm since it gives you more working distance, and it's reviewed as an amazing lens, very sharp and well built. AFAIK, the 60mm lens only does real macro (1:1) with an optional accessory. You might also want to look at the Sigma 105mm Macro lens, which has gotten some pretty great reviews as well.

macrumors 6502

I'd recommend the 100mm since it gives you more working distance, and it's reviewed as an amazing lens, very sharp and well built. AFAIK, the 60mm lens only does real macro (1:1) with an optional accessory. You might also want to look at the Sigma 105mm Macro lens, which has gotten some pretty great reviews as well.

The 60mm f/2.8 does do full 1:1 macro. It is the 50mm f/2.8 Macro that does not do full 1:1 out of the box. I would also recommend the 100mm macro though, more room to work with, I found the 60mm too short for working with insects but perfect for plants/flowers. All the 3rd party lenses also are fantastic from reviews I've read, you really can't go wrong, all are tack sharp otherwise no one would think of purchasing them.

macrumors 6502

I'd recommend the 100mm since it gives you more working distance, and it's reviewed as an amazing lens, very sharp and well built. AFAIK, the 60mm lens only does real macro (1:1) with an optional accessory.

The 60mm and 100mm macro both do 1:1 out of the box; the 50mm requires an extender for that.

Having said that, my personal recommendation would be to join the chorus for the 100mm. Longer working distance is good for insects, and if you decide to go full frame down the road, you can take it with you. The 60mm isn't a bad lens, just that I'm not a fan of EF-S except where no reasonable alternative exists (ie: the 10-22mm, 17-55mm f/2.8, 17-85mm.)

My personal inclination is towards Canon rather than third party, because the Canon macro focuses internally; I understand (but I could be wrong) that the third party macros extend when focusing, which normally isn't a big deal, but on a macro, I think it is. Check before you buy.

macrumors 6502

My personal inclination is towards Canon rather than third party, because the Canon macro focuses internally; I understand (but I could be wrong) that the third party macros extend when focusing, which normally isn't a big deal, but on a macro, I think it is. Check before you buy.

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Oooh, great reminder, I forgot about that one, that is a really big deal especially in Macro w/ bugs. I haven't used a 3rd party Macro in a while, I guess I forgot about the shots I missed b/c of the extending focus spooking some little critters and also the length they extend to is too much IMO compared to the Internal focusing 100mm Canon.

macrumors 68000

The 60mm f/2.8 does do full 1:1 macro. It is the 50mm f/2.8 Macro that does not do full 1:1 out of the box.

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Sorry, I mixed them up. My bad!

Try searching PBase for pictures taken with the lenses you're considering, and see if they measure up. And yes, sjl brought up an excellent point. Internal focus is better for macros because bugs don't get scared and run/jump/fly off.

macrumors regular

The Sigma 50mm EX DG Macro (both the old f3.5 and the new f2.8 versions) is an excellent lens. Possibly the best Sigma makes.
I have never used it in Nikon mount, but it should be the same on any camera.

macrumors regular

I had a Tamron 90mm and liked the image quality very much. However, I sold it and bought a more-necessary hot shoe flash instead, and then assembled a hand-made extension tube for use with my EF 50mm f/1.8 II (or Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8)

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